Southern Rural Water has identified 250 megalitres of winterfill water from the Powlett River that could be used by new or existing licence-holders.
This water allocation is available during winterfill months only. It will allow farmers to pump water from the Powlett River in the months of July through to October for immediate use or to divert to on-farm storage dams for use at a later time.
In recent times, the Bass Coast has been one of many regions in southern Victoria experiencing ongoing drought conditions, which is unusual for the region. Farmers interested in using the water for stock and domestic purposes who do not have a private right are encouraged to apply, as well as irrigators.
The Powlett River provides economic, historic and cultural benefits to the Bass Coast region. Particularly for the towns of Wonthaggi, Dalyston and Kilcunda.
FAQS
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Can anyone express their interest in winterfill water from the Powlett River?
Those interested in securing an allocation must provide evidence they can access the water via a property they own, or a property they have formal permission to use. You do not need to have an existing licence to express your interest in this water.
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How much water can I get?
You may express interest in as much water as you like. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a reasonable use for the water.
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How do I express an interest in securing a licence?
An online application form is available here.
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How much will it cost?
Once the Expression of Interest closes and we have identified the level of demand we will determine the most suitable way to distribute the water. This may be via direct purchase, or auction. Southern Rural Water will set a price based on reasonable cost recovery for expenses related to the processing and issue of the relevant licences, running the expressions of interest, and supporting work to facilitate the availability of water.
This price will be either the sale price or the reserve price, depending on if the allocation goes to auction.
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How is the purchase made?
Southern Rural Water will determine the pathway forward after assessing the response to our expressions of interest process. It is possible that we could choose to run an auction process.
Auctions are held online and successful bidders will secure the water following the payment of a non-refundable deposit. Further details around the process and likely costs will be provided following the close of the Expression of Interest.
In this case, the market would determine the value of the water. When purchasing at auction, the sale price covers the cost of the application.
If there is not an auction, the purchase will be made directly.
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Are there any limitations for those who are successful?
Purchasing water either at auction, or directly, does not guarantee the issue of relevant licences to allow you to legally access the water. Before licences are issued, all those who are successful will be assessed in line with the requirements of the Water Act 1989 to ensure their intended water use is sustainable and will not have a negative impact on the environment and other users.
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Are there any further requirements?
Those who are successful must meet relevant licencing requirements under the Water Act 1989. This may include other statutory requirements, depending on the intended use.
As part of our licensing process we refer applications to referral agencies before a licence can be issued. The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority are a referral agency for the Powlett River. It’s recommended that those who are interested in expressing an interest speak to the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Irrigation Development Coordinator prior to expressing their interest. The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will be able to advise any potential requirements they have.
The Gippsland Irrigation Development Guidelines Fact Sheets provide further information on potential requirements for all irrigation developments in Gippsland.
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What happens when the expressions of interest period finishes?
Once the expressions of interest period ends, Southern Rural Water will decide how to distribute the water, through either a direct purchase or auction. We should have a decision within four weeks of the Expression of Interest closing.